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Interferon beta-1a (also interferon beta 1-alpha) is a cytokine in the interferon family used to treat multiple sclerosis (MS). [5] It is produced by mammalian cells, while interferon beta-1b is produced in modified E. coli. [6] Some research indicates that interferon injections may result in an 18–38% reduction in the rate of MS relapses. [7]
The most common side effects include low levels of white blood cells and platelets (blood components that help the blood to clot), muscle and joint pain, tiredness, flu-like symptoms and increased blood levels of gamma-glutamyl transferase (a sign of liver problems). [4]
Pegylated interferon alfa-2a, sold under the brand name Pegasys among others, is medication used to treat hepatitis C and hepatitis B. [3] For hepatitis C it is typically used together with ribavirin and cure rates are between 24 and 92%. [3] [4] For hepatitis B it may be used alone. [5] It is given by injection under the skin. [3] Side effects ...
Interferon beta-1b is a cytokine in the interferon family used to treat the relapsing-remitting and secondary-progressive forms of multiple sclerosis (MS). It is approved for use after the first MS event. Closely related is interferon beta 1a, also indicated for MS, with a very similar drug profile.
Pegylated interferon alfa-2b is a drug used to treat melanoma, as an adjuvant therapy to surgery. [3] Also used to treat hepatitis C (typically, in combination with ribavarin), it is no longer recommended due to poor efficacy and adverse side-effects. [4]
One of the major limiting factors in the efficacy of type I interferon therapy are the high rates of side effects. Between 15% - 40% of people undergoing type 1 IFN treatment develop major depressive disorders. [18] Less commonly, interferon treatment has also been associated with anxiety, lethargy, psychosis and parkinsonism. [19]
Another common transient secondary effect with interferon-beta is a functional deterioration of already existing symptoms of the disease. [58] Such deterioration is similar to the one produced in MS patients due to heat, fever or stress ( Uhthoff's phenomenon ), usually appears within 24 hours of treatment, is more common in the initial months ...
Peginterferon beta-1a, sold under the brand name Plegridy, is medication used to treat multiple sclerosis. [4] [5]The most common side effects include headache, muscle pain, joint pain, influenza (flu)-like symptoms, pyrexia (fever), chills, asthenia (weakness), and erythema (reddening of the skin), pain or pruritus (itching) at the injection site.